Kewell could captain team against Ghana

Injury-plagued star Harry Kewell is training at "100 per cent" and in contention to captain the Socceroos against Ghana next week, coach Pim Verbeek said.

Kewell will be a key member of the squad in a busy month for Australia, including four World Cup qualifiers in the space of 22 days.

Verbeek named 10 A-League players on Tuesday in his 24-man squad to meet Ghana at the Sydney Football Stadium on May 23.

He called up three uncapped players - goalkeeper Adam Federici, who plays for relegated English Premier League club Reading and defenders Rodrigo Vargas of Melbourne Victory and Matthew Spiranovic, who is with German team Nuremburg.

The squad also contained five Olyroos - Mark Bridge, James Holland, James Troisi, Leigh Broxham and Nikolai Topor-Stanley - who flew out Tuesday to a tournament in Malaysia, but will return early next week.

Verbeek said Ghana, who he thought were arguably Africa's strongest side, were likely to be at full strength with the exception of Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, who will play in the Champions League final two days earlier.

The game against Ghana leads into four World Cup qualifiers in June for the Socceroos, who currently lead their Asian pool.

Kewell was recently released by English Premier League giant Liverpool after a series of injuries limited him to 139 appearances for the Reds in five years.

"He's very willing to play, he knows he needs rhythm, so he will be here as soon as possible and play the game against Ghana," Verbeek said.

The Dutchman suggested Kewell was in a better frame of mind than after his most recent injury setback in Singapore and felt the gifted striker was still likely to sign for a strong club despite the negativity surrounding his ill fated stint at Anfield.

"His mind was totally different than when he was in China, he was really disappointed then because he was injured and he couldn't play after all the things he tried to do," Verbeek said.

"He was very good, I think he will sign for a very nice club."

With regular captain Lucas Neill not named in the squad to face Ghana because his wife is due to give birth in either May or June, Verbeek said Kewell was "quite a chance" to lead the Socceroos for a second time.

"Harry did very well in Singapore, not only the game but the days before that," Verbeek said.

"He was very good for the young boys and good for himself, a real captain."

Verbeek said Neill would join the squad as soon as possible after his wife gave birth.

Included in the squad was striker Joel Griffiths, who was omitted from the party which toured Asia.

Four goalkeepers were included in the squad but Verbeek said established custodian Mark Schwarzer would start against Ghana.

Nick Carle will miss out on the Ghana game if his English club Bristol City beats Crystal Palace to advance to the English Premier League promotion playoff.